Nepheline Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

By Andrew Silver, USGS.Materialscientist at en.wikipedia [Public domain or Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons

A variety called elaeolite is red, green, brown, or gray, massive or in crystals filled with minute inclusions. These inclusions produce a sheen that yields a catseye effect in cabochons. Facetable nepheline is a great rarity, and very few gems have been cut, always in the 1-2 carat range or smaller.

Various localities in the United States, especially Maine and Arkansas.

Ontario, Canada: crystals up to 15 inches long (non-gemmy).

Vesuvius, Italy: small, glassy transparent grains.

Comments: A variety called elaeolite is red, green, brown, or gray, massive or in crystals filled with minute inclusions. These inclusions produce a sheen that yields a catseye effect in cabochons. Facetable nepheline is a great rarity, and very few gems have been cut, always in the 1-2 carat range or smaller.

Name: From a Latin word meaning cloud because it becomes cloudy when immersed in acid. Elaeolite is from a Latin Word for oil because of its greasy luster.